Innovator Founder Visa

Are you an international student with a great business idea? The Innovator Founder Visa allows you to launch your own company in the UK after graduation.

How Venture Lab Can Help

Venture Lab provides expert support to help you work towards securing endorsement for your visa. Our team offers 1:1 business coaching, workshops, and competitions to help you develop an idea that is innovative, viable, and scalable — the three key criteria for endorsement.

The Application Process

1. Develop your business idea
   Access Venture Lab’s support to refine your concept and prepare for endorsement.
2. Secure an endorsement
   You’ll need approval from one of the following recognised bodies:
• UK Endorsing Services
• Innovator International
• Envestors Limited

Please note that endorsement is not guaranteed. You’ll need to meet all UK Government criteria and cover any associated costs.

1. Apply for your visa
   Once endorsed, apply for the Innovator Founder Visa, which allows you to run your business in the UK for up to three years.

Before Obtaining a Start-up Visa 

Whilst you are able to develop your business concept and conduct market research, it is important that you do not risk being in breach of your Tier 4 (General) student visa before securing an Innovator Founder visa. Whist you are still holding a Tier 4 (General) student visa you must not: 

• Market your products or services in any way to the mainstream public (for example through a publicly available website) 

• Receive any financial gain from any business activity, including user testing 

• Register or begin to register a business until after they have applied for an Innovator Founder visa

Next Steps

Contact Paul Stafford to discuss your idea and start your journey toward securing endorsement.

For full eligibility criteria and costs, visit the UK Government’s Innovator Founder Visa webpage